Whit Jarrett

The hypnotic embrace that ​Whit Richard Jarrett​ lived this life with began on July 1, 1970. His sudden and unexpected departure, as a result of natural causes,  on September 16, 2019 has left many souls cherishing moments of laughter, spontaneous escapades, practical jokes and fireside conversations that filled his 49 years.

Whit was born in Polson, MT to Joan Vinson and Dick Goldman.  He was joined a few short years later by a sister, Kristy Kay who would be his lifelong co-conspirator of countless adventures, best friend and biggest fan. Their names were like a household term, peanut butter and jelly, bagels and cream cheese, Whit and Kristy.

Whit’s charismatic character, slow sideways smile and twinkley eyes made him easy to love. Not a man, woman, child, puppy or pony were immune to the spell he would cast (Kristy’s dogs were known to become Whit’s loyal pooches). He knew when to crack a joke, when to keep his mouth shut, and if he was provoking you or making you upset, it’s because he wanted to, and it meant that he cared.  He never met a stranger.  If you were in his physical vicinity, you were his friend.  If you were a friend to him, you were family in his heart.

It is difficult to really know exactly how many cars, pickups or atvs met an early demise at the hands of young Whit. He wasn't afraid to leap off a cliff, toboggan down the stairs or ride that squirrely horse.   Scars from wrecks were like a timeline of life events on his body.  He lived, worked and played with a git ‘er done (or a just LeDoux it)  attitude and loved with the same enthusiasm.

The mountains called to Whit and in the mid 90’s he moved to Colorado where he would spend most of the next decade working on ranches and guiding hunters with his cousins Russ and Susan Papke. He made many lifelong friends in that high country.  This is also where he met and married Melissa Taylor. Together they created the two most important people in his life, his daughter Taylor and son Vinson.  Whit took seriously the role of being a father and cherished his time with his kids.  He adored them and thought they were the most amazing people he ever knew.

He brought his family back to the Flathead Valley of his youth. The years brought changes, divorce and new jobs. Whit and Kristy were able to reconnect with their half-brother, Rich Goldman while expressing their mutual admiration of Chris LeDoux at a tribute concert.  It was the first of more meaningful weekends they would spend together. Whit loved four wheeling with Rich and Rich’s friends, executing highly questionable maneuvers on ridiculous terrain. He was in his element...there was danger, beer and good people...of course he loved it.    Most recently, Whit found happiness again in a reunion with an old friend, Michelle True.  They enjoyed a summer of adventures and made plans for the future.  Whit’s job with Mindful Designs, was more than that…it was a career that he enjoyed, and loved working with and for people whom he cared about. His daughter, Taylor just started her college career at MSU pursuing a degree in pre-med and was the President of her graduating class at Columbia Falls High School. His son Vinson (very much Whit’s “mini-me”) is a smart and creative young man. He’s a Junior at Columbia Falls High School, works at Murdoch’s and is already a good mechanic who buys and restores cars. You could say, Whit left us all in a good place.  He went out at the top.  He was loved and those in his life knew exactly how he felt about them.  “Ol, Pa” (as Taylor and Vinson called him, a term borrowed from the many westerns he would watch with them) will be missed by many.  His friendships were strong, time tested and true. Many of those bonds were born over a warm campfire and saluted with a toast of gratitude for the opportunity to spend the time, topped off by Whit’s signature wink and a smile.  Those he left behind have gathered around his family and are incredibly supportive.

Whit Jarrett was preceded in death by his father Dick Goldman and his

Grandparents George and Hazel Vinson. He is survived by his Mother, Joan Vinson, sister Kristy Jarrett, brother Rich (Crystal) Goldman, children

Taylor and Vinson Jarrett, his Love, Michelle True, his Uncle Richard (Patricia) Vinson, Uncle George (Eileen) Vinson and a large network of extended family and close friends.

An informal gathering of friends and family will take place Saturday

September 28, 2019 at 1:00 p.m.at 120 Megan Lane in Columbia Falls,

MT.  Please bring a chair and a story. A go fund me has been set up for Taylor and Vinson.  If you would like to donate please click on the link.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/whit-jarrett-family-fund?utm_source=customer

&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet.